Are you thinking about your very first cruise?

Are you thinking about your very first cruise? Here are some notes for newbie cruisers & seasoned cruisers too!

 

Cruise from a nearby port.

A 7 night cruise is sufficient to determine if you like cruising. A 5 night Sailing is great. If you live near a Florida or maybe California port of call you can find a 4 night cruise too. Keep in mind, the shorter the cruise, the more a party. New ships will cost more.

The earlier you book, the better the stateroom selection and the better the price.

Know what is included in your cruise fare. (Drinks like soda, fresh squeezed orange juice and of course alcohol is typically not included on main stream cruise lines.) Many ships have upcharge specialty restaurants, but other than that, all food is included. Cruise lines like Norwegian encourage freestyle dining while offering specialty restaurants too, but most main stream cruise lines offer a dining option that does not require either a reservation- or set dining time. Most cruise lines have beverage packages (wine, cocktails & more) that you can purchase if you want.

 

Note that different times of the year will bring different demographic of people; summer vacation months have more children on board as will spring break and holidays. If you’re not flying, you do not need to weigh your baggage or pay for baggage. Porters everywhere appreciate your tips if they handle your bags.

Staterooms are not the size of a standard land hotel. They are smaller but usually adequate. Upgrading accommodations to a suite will get you more space.

You can view the varied cabin sizes on the many cruise lines web site.

 

Staterooms: Some accommodate 2, some accommodate 3 or 4. (Single passengers can have what is called a single supplement. Some new ships have single cabins, as well; as some ships that have had solo cabins added. Keep in mind that this does not mean you will pay half. Understand that vessels have a manifest and staterooms are slated for a specific amount of people. If you for example want to book Celebrity Aqua Class, these cabins only accommodate two people.

 

TOP 10 Questions. How do I know which cruise line is for me?

1. Determine your expectations. Are you celebrating a milestone and going all out, or are you sticking to a budget?
2. What is most important for you? Is it the itinerary and where the ship will sail? Is it the size of the ship? Is it the amenities the ship offers?
3. Are you a foodie? Some ships have Michelin Star chefs, some do not.
4. How important are the excursions?
5. Do you need a kid-friendly cruise line with a lot to keep your kiddos occupied?
6. Spa services. Important or bottom of your list, you won’t use the Spa?
7. More casual cruise line or do you want to experience the grandeur of old world cruising and dress up?
8. Looking for a kid-free experience?
9. Looking for an all-inclusive experience?       
10. When? When do you want to cruise?

Always keep in mind that not all travel agents are created equal – and, sure you can book using an online engine like expedia, but I can tell you that expedia has never cruised and will not guarantee service.

 

What Should I expect after I book my cruise?

And it goes something like this:

Create yourself an account online on the cruise line web site. Add your reservation. Use your Cruise Planner/ Cruise Personaliser. Log on daily to check for specials and discounts on pre purchases like dining packages and beverage packages and excursions. Keep track of the pricing for anything specific service that you are thinking about buying pre cruise.

 

Boarding day (by the way, make sure your passports are good for 6 months after your cruise)

If you have luggage that you are able to walk on with, you can. Otherwise you will give your luggage to a porter at the pier. You should have your boarding pass printed– your On-Line check in documentation. You present your passport with this printed out documentations and you are issued a credit card-like card. This will either be connected to your credit card or you have given them cash on your account. (we encourage using a credit card). Your card is used for any on board purchases (drinks, shops, pictures, excursions, upcharge restaurants, internet access) as well as a form of identification as it is presented each time you get off the ship and back on in ports. You should also carry your photo ID (driver’s license), at many ports you will need to show this to get back on the ship as well. You can carry your passport in ports of call as well.

 

You might sail for a day or two and then arrive to your port. There will be varied activities on board every day. A Daily Planner will be left in your stateroom the night before. I encourage you read through it to know what’s happening on the ship. Your luggage if checked will arrive to your stateroom- you will have a stateroom attendant. (Some suites will have Butlers) On your first full day at sea most likely there will be a formal or elegant night. Note that shorts are not permitted in the main dining rooms or specialty restaurants and men cannot wear tank tops and are required to wear close toed shoes.

 

You can pre book excursions with your cruise line. I suggest this if you are a first time cruiser or if it is a port you have never visited. You can research outside tour operators, many are very reputable. I can ONLY speak for my travel agency, CRUISE PLANNERS, we have partnerships with vetted tour operators. You should strongly consider booking your Excursions with ME.

 

Note, the cruise ship will not wait for you if it is scheduled to leave your port. The time stated you need to be back on the ship needs to be adhered to, or you can miss the ship.  When your ship overnights in ports, there is no curfew or set time you need to be back on board on those days.

 

Activities vary. From live bands playing reggae to guitarists and pianists to Zumba and cooking classes. Watch an ice sculpture being carved or learn something new at an enrichment seminar. There is always something to do, or NOT. Sit by the pool all day or relax at a spa having a massage or facial. No time for that pedicure at home, many spa services are offered on board. Night time entertainment like White Hot Deck Party, production shows, 70s Night are some of the things you will find.

 

There is always more for me to discuss with you, my clients. Our many years of experience will help you whether you are seeking your first cruise or your 100^th cruise. If you are looking for a Land Trip for one week or one month.